trespasses and sins shall awake to new life and activity; this bedlam of the universe will be restored to reason and intellectual freedom, and to the society of angelic messengers, and the face of the moral creation will be renewed after the image of its maker. Then wars shall cease to the ends of the earth, and anarchy and dissension shall convulse the nations no more; violence will no more be heard in any land, "liberty will be proclaimed to the captives, and the opening of the prison-doors to them that are bound." The spirit of malevolence will be vanquished, its power will be broken, and its operations demolished. The order and beauty of the celestial system will be restored. "Holiness to the Lord" will be inscribed on all the implements and employments of mankind. Kindness and compassion will form the amiable characteristic of every rank of social life. Love will spread her benignant wings over the globe, and reign uncontrolled in the hearts of all its inhabitants. For thus saith the voice of Him who sits on the throne of the universe, "Behold I make all things new-I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered, nor core into mind. Be ye glad, and rejoice for ever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy, and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying." SECTION VI. UNIVERSALITY OF THE PRINCIPLES OF LOVE THE grand principles of morality tc which I have now adverted, are not to be viewed as confined merely to the inhabitants of our gl be, but as extending to all intellectual beings. They form the basis of the moral laws, which govern all intelligences throughout the vast universe, in whatever world or region of infinite space they may have their physical residence; and they constitute the bond which unites to the supreme intelligence, and to one another, all holy beings, wherever existing in the wide empire of Omnipotence. This will at once appear, if we reflect for a moment, on what has been stated in the preceding sections. We have seen, that, if those laws or principles were reversed, and were the moral agents of our world to act accordingly, nothing would ensue, but anarchy, wretchedness, horror, and devastation, and ultimately a complete extermination of the race of mankind. And by parity of reason, it will follow, that were the same principles to operate in any other world, however different the capacities, relations, and physical circumstances of its inhabitants might be, similar disastrous effects would be the inevi table result; and were they to pervade ail worlds, disorder and misery would reign uncontrolled throughout the whole intelligent system. When the Creator brought any particular world into existence, and peopled it with inhabitants, we must suppose, that the laws to which 1 am now adverting, were either formally addressed to them by some external revelation, or so powerfully impressed upon their moral constitution, as to become the main-spring of all their actions, so long as they might retain the original principles implanted in their minds by the Author of their existence. Any other supposition would be fraught with the most absurd and horrible consequences. It would be subversive of every idea we are led to form of the character of the Divine Being, inconsistent with the perfect benevolence and rectitude of his nature, and incompatible with the relations in which rational beings stand to Him and to one another, and with the harmony and happiness of the universe, to suppose, that any creatures now exist, or ever can exist, to whom such commands as these would be given,-" Thou shalt hate thy Creator, who is the source of thine existence;" and "Thou shalt hate all thy fellow-intelligences with whom thou mayst associate." And if the mind would recoil with horror, at the idea of such laws issuing forth from the throne of the Eternal to any class of moral agents, it must necessarily be admitted, that the opposite principles or laws, to which I allude, are promulgated to all intelligences, and are obligatory on every inhabitant of all the worlds which lie between the range o Jehovah's empire. The natural scenery with which the inhabitants of other worlds are surrounded, the organization of their corporeal frames, the intellectual capacities with which they are endowed, the stated employments in which they engage, and the relations in which they stand to each other, may be very different from those which obtain in our terrestrial sphere, but the grand principles to which I refer, must necessarily pervade every faculty of their minds, every active exertion, and every relation that subsists among them, by whatever character it may be distinguished, if they be found existing in a state of happiness. The moral code of laws in other worlds may be somewhat differently modified from ours, according he circumstances in which the inhabitants of each respective world are placed, and the relations which obtain among them; but the same general principles will run through every ramification of their moral precepts, and appear in the minutes actions they perform,as the sap which proceeds from the trunk of a tree diffuses itself among the minutest and the most distant branches. The seventh commandment of our moral code can have no place in a world where the inhabitants "neither marry nor are given in marriage;" where the succession of intelligent. beings is not carried on by any process analogous to human generation, where death is unknown, and where rational agents have a fixed and permanent abode. The fifth precept of our law cannot be recognized in a world where the relations of parents and children, princes and subjects, superiors and inferiors, have no existence. And in those worlds where the bounties of Divine Providence are equally enjoyed by all, or where external comforts are not necessary for the happiness of the individual, as in our world, or where the slightest temptation to interfere with the property of another does not exist, there will be no necessity for a distinct moral regulation corresponding to the eighth commandment of our moral code.But in every world where happiness exists, and where the inhabitants have retained their original integrity, love to God, and love to all subordinate intelligences with which they are connected, will animate every heart, regulate every desire, and run through every action. And in those worlds (if any such exist besides our own) where these principles are counteracted, or not recognized as the foundation of moral action, misery and disorder, in a greater or less degree, must be the inevitable consequence. The greater part, however, of the precepts comprised in the moral law given to man, must be considered as obligatory upon all the rational inhabitants of the universe. The first commandment, which forbids the recognition of any object of adoration, or of supreme affection, besides the eternal Jehovah—the second, which forbids the representation of this incomprehensible Being by any visible or material objects-the third, which enjoins reverence of the name or attributes of God—and the spirit of the fourth, which enjoins a certain portion of duration to be set apart for solemn acts of worship and adoration, are applicable to all the moral agents that Jehovah has created. The sixth commandment, which forbids malice, revenge, and injurious actions of every description-the ninth, which forbids falsehood, and inculcates truth, which is the basis of the moral universe-and the tenth, which forbids envy, and every unhallowed desire to deprive our neighbour of any portion of his happiness-are also binding upon every class of moral intelligences, wherever existing, throughout the unlimited. empire of God. For, if we suppose any one of these precepts to be reversed, and moral agents to act on the principle of this subversion, their moral order and harmony would be interrupted, and consequently, their happiness destroyed. For example, let the law, which inculcates truth, be supposed to be universally violated among any class of rational beings, and instantly all improvement in wisdom and knowledge would cease; nothing could be depended upon as fact but what was obvious to the senses of every individual; social compacts would be dissolved; a mutual repulsion would ensue, and every social affection and enjoyment would be unhinged and destroyed. By overlooking considerations of this kind, the celebrated Dr. Chalmers, in his "Discourses on the Christian Revelation viewed in connexion with Modern Astronomy," deprived himself of an important argument to prove that Christianity is not confined to this sublunary region. For, as it is the great object of the Christian Revelation to bring into full effect, in all their practical bearings, the principles I have been endeavouring to illustrate, and as these principles must be interwoven with the moral code of all worlds-it follows, that the spirit and essence of our religion must be common to all the holy inhabitants of the universe. From what has been now stated respecting the universality of the principle of love, the following conclusions lowing conclusions may be deduced :— 1. That the man in whose heart this principle is predominant, and whose actions are directed by its influence, is qualified for associating with the Love pure intelligences of all worlds. Were we transported to the surface of the planet Jupiter, and had we access to mingle with its vast popu lation; or were we conveyed to one of the planets which revolve around the star Sirius-if the inhabitants of these globes have retained the primeval purity of their natures, and if the principle of love reigned supreme in our hearts, we should be assured of a welcome reception from those distant intelligences, and be qualified to mingle with them in their adorations of our common Creator, and in all their affectionate and harmonious intercourses. We should only have to learn the mode by which they communicate to each other their ideas and emotions. would form the basis of every union, and amalgamate us with every department of their society. With pleasure, and with the most endearing affection, would they point out to us the peculiar glories of the world they inhabit, and rehearse the history of the Creator's dispensations in that portion of his empire; and with equal pleasure should we listen to the instructions which flow from the lips of Benevolence, and survey those transporting objects and arrangements which decorate a world where love pervades the breasts of all its inhabitants. To visit a distant world, although it were in our power, where the inhabitants were of an opposite description, could afford no gratification to an intelligent and benevolent mind, but would overwhelm it with anguish and dismay. What enjoyment would the capacious mind of a pure intelligence from the regions of the constellation Orion, derive from visiting a world inhabited by such beings as the inhabitants of Nootka Sound, New Guinea, or New Zealand, where the moral and intellectual principle is completely debased, and where the beauties of Nature are defaced with interminable forests and marshes, and the haunts of beasts of prey? He would be filed with disappointment and horrorhe might drop a tear of pity over the wretched inhabitants; but he would soon wing his flight Luck to a more delicate region. A similar dis appointment would be felt, were an inhabitant of our world, in whose mind hatred and cruelty, avarice and ambition, reigned without controlto be conveyed to a world of happiness and love. The novel scenes of beauty and grandeur, which would burst upon his sight, might captivate his senses for a little: but he would feel no enjoy ment in the exercise of virtuous affections and rapturous adorations, to which he was never accustomed; he would find no objects on which to gratify his cruel and ambitious desires, and he would be glad to escape from the abodes of affection and bliss, to the depraved society from whence he came. Hence we may learn, that, however expansive views we may have acquired of the range of the Creator's operations, and of the immensity of worlds which are diffused through boundless space, and however ardent deand however ardent des sires we may indulge of visiting the distant regions of creation, we never can indulge a rational hope of enjoying such a privilege, were it possi ble, unless love to God and to man become the predominant disposition of our minds. For, although we were invested by the Almighty with corporeal vehicles, capable of transporting us from one region of creation to another, with the most rapid motion, we could enjoy no solid satisfaction, while we remained unqualified for relishing the exercises, and mingling in the associations of holy intelligences. In every happy world on which we alighted, we should feel ourselves in a situation similar to that of a rude and ignorant boor, were he conveyed to a palace, and introduced into an assembly of courtiers and princes. 2. Another conclusion deducible from this subject is, that by virtue of this grand and governing principle, man is connected with the highest order of intelligences, and with the inhabitants of the most distant worlds; and his happiness perpetually secured. When we take a view of the universe by the light of inodern science, our minds are overpowered and confounded at the idea of its vast and unlimited range. When we consider that it would require several millions of years for a cannon ball, flying at the rate of five hundred miles an hour, to reach the nearest stars--when we consider that there are stars visible to the naked eye, at least fifty times farther distant than these-when we consider that there are stars visible by the telescope a thousand times farther distant than any of the former-and when we consider that all the suns and worlds which lie within this unfathomable range are, in all probability, only as a grain of sand to the whole earth, when compared with the immensity of systems which lie beyond them in the unexplored abyss of infinite space, we are lost in the immensity of creation and can set no bounds to the empire of the Almighty Sovereign. When we look forward to that eternal state to which we are destinedwhen we consider that after thousands of millions of centuries have run their rounds, eternity will be no nearer to a termination, and that ages, numerous as the drops of the ocean, will still roll on in interminable succession,- we behold a lapse of duration, and a succession of events stretching out before us, which correspond with the immeasurable spaces of the universe, and the number and magnitude of the worlds with which it is stored. When we view ourselves as thus connected with the immensity of creation on the one hand, and with infinite duration on the other; and when we reflect on the numerous changes that have happened, both in the physical and moral aspect of our globe, within the period of six thousand years, we cannot but conclude that we are destined to pass through new scenes and changes in that eternity which lies before us, of which at present we can form no conception. After remaining for thousands of millions of years in that world which will be prepared for the righteous at the general resurrection, we may. be transported to another system as far distant from that abode as we now are from the most distant stars visible to our sight, in order to contemplate new displays of the attributes of God, in another province of his empire. We may afterwards be conveyed to an unoccupied region of immensity, where new creatious, displaying new objects of glory and magnificence, are starting into existence. We may afterwards be invested with the wings of a seraph, and be enabled to wing our way, in company with angels, from world to world, and to visit the most distant regions of that immense universe over which Omnipotence presides. In short, the imagination can set no limits to its excursions, when it attempts to survey the revolutions and changes that may take place, and the new scenes of glory which may burst upon the view, throughout the lapse of duration which will have no end. Now, in whatever relation man may stand to any portion of the universal system, throughout every future period of his existence, and during all the revolutions of eternity, love will unite him to all other holy beings with whom he may associate, however distant their abode from the spot he now occupies, however different its scenery and arrangements, and however superior they may be in point of corporeal organization and intellectual capacity. For no intelligence, in any region of the universe, in whom the principle of love predominates, can ever be supposed to disdain to associate with another, of whatever rank or order, who is actuated by a similar affec tion; otherwise his love would degenerate into malevolence. This principle will unite him to agitated the religious world, and obstructed the operations of the benevolent affections, they would be driven away from the Christian system as chaff before the whirlwind; and Christians would feel ashamed of the importance they attached to their "mint, and anise, and cum. min," while they neglected the weightier matters angels and archangels, to cherubim and seraphim, to thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers, from whose discourses he will learn the history of the divine dispensations, the wonders of Almighty power, and the "manifold wisdom of God." So long as it reigns uncontrolled in his heart, it will secure his happiness in all places, and in every period of his existence, by of the law, "judgment, mercy, and the love of a law established by the Almighty, and founded on his perfections; a law which binds together the whole intelligent system, and forms the basis of the felicity of the moral universe. So that his future blessedness is for ever secure, beyond the reach of danger, and rests upon a foundation stable and permanent as the throne of the Eternal. 3. From what has been now stated, we may learn that there is but one religion throughout the universe, however vast its magnitude and boundless its extension. In this world, numerous systems of religion prevail, and thousands of different opinions in relation to its ceremonies and objects; but experience has demonstrated, that all of them, except one, are insufficient to guide rational beings to substantial felicity. And of this one system, how many foolish and inaccurate, and even contradictory opinions, have been formed, through the ignorance and perversity of the human mind! Though all its parts have a direct reference to the actions of intelligent agents, and to the cultivation of benevolent affections, yet it has been represented, even by its professed abetters, as a congeries of metaphysical dogmas and speculative opinions; and in this point of view it has been the source of perpetual wrangling and contentions. Though it is calculated to expand the understanding, to warm the heart, and to elevate the soul to God, yet it has been reduced, by the cunning artifice of man, to a mass of mere quibbles and unmeaning ceremonies. And though it breathes nothing but peace and good-will to man, it has been employed as an engine of persecution and of human destruction. It is only in proportion as our religion approximates to the character of the religion which is common to all holy beings, that it is worthy of our veneration and our ardent pursuit. And therefore, in order to determine the truth and importance of any particular system of religious opinions, the best test we can apply to it is, to ascertain what bearings it has upon the grand principles to which we have been adverting. "Do all the sentiments and tenets which it strenuously supports, like the lines from the circumference to the centre of a circle, converge towards the promotion of love in all its practical ramifications? Are the opinions we now so fiercely maintain of such a nature, that we shall probably recognize them as important practical principles a million of years hence, in the regions of distant worlds?" If such a test wore applied to hundreds of opinions which have God." How many false and foolish opinions shall we leave behind us in this region of darkness and contention, when we enter within the confines of the eternal state? How sublime, how lovely, and how beautifying will religion appear in that world, where it will be contemplated in its native simplicity, and stripped of all the foreign and adventitious circumstances which now obscure its brightness and glory! I need scarcely say, need scarcely say, that the one religion to which I allude is Christianity, considered, not so much in the scheme of mediation which it unfolds, which may have a relation solely to man viewed in his character as a sinner, but in the leading dispositions and virtues it inculcates, and in the great objects which all its doctrines, facts, and supernatural communications have a tendency to accomplish. In these points of view, it must be considered as imbodying principles and laws which pervade the religious systems of all worlds. Finally, Love is a principle in the moral and intelligent system which bears a striking analogy to the principle of attraction in the material world. Each of them unites, in its respective sphere, all the beings which compose it in one grand and harmonious system; and both of them combined give birth to all the moral and physical phenomena which diversify the intellectual and the material universe. By the principle of attraction, the inhabitants of the earth, along with their habitations, are retained to its surface, and prevented from flying off in wild confusion through the voids of space. By the same power the mountains rest on a solid basis, the rivers flow from the mountains to the plains, and the ocean is confined within its appointed channels. It produces the various phenomena which arise from the meandering rill, the majestic river, and the roaring cataract. It produces the descent of rain and dew, and the alternate flux and reflux of the tides. It prevents the waters of the great deep from covering the mountain-tops, and mingling in confusion with the clouds of heaven. It binds together the infinity of atoms which constitute the globe on which we tread; it regulates the various movements of men and other animated beings; it forms mechanical powers, and gives impulsion to numerous machines and engines. It rolls the moon in regular successior around the earth, and prevents her from running lawlessly through the sky. It extends its influence from the sun to the remotest planets, conducting revolving worlds, with all their satellites in their ample circuits, and prese: ving them all in one harmonious system. It connects the earth and the planetary globes with other systems in the distant regions of space; and carries the sun, with all his attendant orbs, around the centre of that nebula to which it belongs, and all the systems and nebulæ of the universe around the throne of God. In like manner, love unites all holy intelligences, wherever dispersed through the amplitudes of creation, in one amiable and harmonious system. It unites man to God, and God to man. It unites the renovated inhabitants of our globe to angels and archangels, and qualifies them for entering into the closest bonds of friendship and affection with superior intelligences that people the regions of distant worlds. It produces an expansive and harmonious spirit, and an ardent desire to diffuse happiness among all surrounding beings. It gives birth to those sublime emotions which flow out towards the Creator in the various forms of adoration, complacency, hope, confidence, humility, joy, submission, and reverence; and it is the spring of all those virtuous dispositions which flow out towards our fellow-creatures in the form of mercy, compassion, sincerity, candour, sympathy, kindness, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, charity, generosity, justice, and active beneficence. It impels its possessor to run to the assistance of the distressed, to support the weak, to console the desponding, to comfort the dying, to diffuse the rays of heavenly light over the benighted mind, and to rejoice in the prosperity of all around. It is "the bond of perfection" which unites the members of an affectionate family, and preserves the union of the faithful in all the churches of the saints. It unites man to man by the closest ties, however different in language, customs, colour, and complexion, and however far removed from each other in point of place. It enables the Greenlander, the Icelander, the African, the inhabitant of Hindostan, and the inhabitant of the British Isles, in whose hearts it resides, to recognize each other as "the sons of God," and as "brethren in Christ Jesus." It sends forth the imagination over every quarter of the globe, carrying benevolent wishes, fervent prayers, and intercessions for men of all kindreds and ranks; and employs every active endeavour to promote the present enjoyment and the eternal felicity of the family of mankind. It inspires the soul with emotions of delight, when it becomes the instrument of communicating happiness to all within the sphere of its influ rejoice in accomplishing the plans of their benevolent Creator. Around him, as the sun of the moral system-the centre of light, and love, and joy-they all revolve in their appointed order. cheered by the emanation of his love, enlightened by his beams, and reflecting a radiance upon all the beings with which they are surrounded. Though one orb differs from another in motion, in magnitude, and in glory, yet no one interferes with another to impede its with another to impede its progress, or to intercept the emanations of light and joy from the Uncreated Source and Centre of all enjoyment. Were the principle of attraction which binds together the atoms of our globe, and connects the planetary orbs with the sun, to be completely dissolved, the earth would be shattered to its centre; the waters of the ocean would fly upwards, and be dispersed through the highest regions of the atmosphere; rocks and mountains would be detached from their bases, and raised aloft above the clouds; forests would be torn up from their roots, and tossed about in confusion through the sky; the moon would forsake her ancient course ; the planets would run lawlessly through the immensity of space, and mighty worlds would be seen dashing against each other, till they were shattered to pieces, and their fragments tossed about in disorder throughout surrounding systems. Effects equally disastrous to the intelligent system would be produced, were the influence of love, in all its varied emanations, to be completely suspended or annihilated. War would be proclaimed in heaven, and myriads of angels hurled from their seats of bliss. The rapturous songs and adorations of seraphs would be changed into the howlings and execrations of demons. The population of the universe would be transformed into one vast assemblage of fiends; its regions of beauty and fertility would become one wide scene of desolation and horror, and the voice of lamentation and misery would be heard resounding throughout all worlds. On earth kingdoms would be shaken and convulsed; governments overturned; societies dissolved; families dispersed; the bonds of friendship burst asunder; husbands torn from their wives, and parents from their children; the intercourse of nations suspended; the pursuits of science and religion abandoned; every rank and relation overturned, end virtue banished from the abodes of men. Deserting all social beings, and forsaken by all, man would become a solitary monster, wandering without plan or object, an enemy to himself and to his species. Anarchy and disorder would reign triumphant over the whole race of human beings, and the howlings of wretchedness and despair would re-echo from every land. Such a scene of moral desolation selfishness and malignity have a natural tendency to create ; and such a scene they have actually created in our world, in so far as their influence has extended. The power of attraction has never been com |